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But they remain determined to finish the season on a high, starting with Saturday's home game against struggling Millwall.

Tomlin, who has scored one goal in 10 appearances for Boro since joining from Peterborough, initially on loan and then permanently, told Sky Sports: "We can beat anyone in this league as we have shown.

"So long as we win all four games, then we will see on the final day.

"It (reaching the play-offs) would be the perfect way to end the season."

Goalkeeper Jason Steele is hoping he can force his way into Karanka's plans having played second fiddle under the Spaniard, with first Shay Given and now Dimi Konstantopoulos picked ahead of him.

The 23-year-old was sent off in the Spaniard's first game in charge at Leeds and then underwent an operation on an ankle injury, but he is back now and ready to fight for his place.

"It wasn't ideal getting sent off in the manager's first game and then going for my operation but I am fit now and feeling good so it is just a matter of training well," he said.